When you see large, round bees hovering around outside close to homes, these are known as carpenter bees. Although these bees are a common sight when it’s warm out, having them buzzing around the exterior of your home could mean that you have an infestation. Since these bees can damage your home, it’s important to learn more about them and know what to do if you have a carpenter bee problem. Keep the following information about these bees in mind this summer.

They Prefer Untreated Wood

Carpenter bees make their nests inside wood structures, such as home exteriors, sheds, benches and fences. However, not all structures attract these insects. Carpenter bees prefer boring into wood that’s untreated rather than wood that is painted or treated. If you have wood surfaces that have not been treated, you might end up having a carpenter bee problem if these bugs decide to nest on your property.

They Can Cause Structural Damage

Carpenter bees aren't the same as termites. They don’t eat wood, but they can make several holes in wood surfaces in order to dig tunnels and set up their nests. While the holes they make might not start out large, they can become bigger if these bees keep using them year after year. The tunnels and nests they build can also cause structural damage to homes and other wood structures, which can end up costing a considerable amount of money to fix.

They Rarely Sting

Are carpenter bees dangerous in terms of stinging? These bees aren't as much of a threat as other bee species or some wasp species. In fact, none of the males have a stinger, although they might dive toward you if you approach their territory. Females have stingers, but they rarely use them. Female carpenter bees generally only sting if they’re provoked, such as if you try to handle them. If you’re allergic to bees, carpenter bees aren't as big of a concern as more aggressive species.

They Bore Into Wood

Carpenter bees create their tunnels and nests by boring into wood. Their wood-boring behavior creates smooth, circular holes in surfaces, which can cause an unsightly appearance on home exteriors. These bees might also leave stains on wood surfaces, resulting in an even more unsightly appearance. If you see these bees, which are large and have a hairless abdomen, flying around your home’s exterior or crawling in and out of it, look for holes and other signs of damage. If you do have a problem with these bees, it’s important to have professional pest control company take a look at your property and get rid of these bugs.

If you have carpenter bees making holes in your home exterior, please contact us at Perfection Pest Control. Our pest control experts know how to safely eliminate carpenter bees before they can further damage your home.